Kitchen Table Conversations with Angela Geddes

A timely conversation led Angela Geddes to discover that a widely used Ontario special-education textbook contained outdated information about FASD. In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela shares how a fast, collaborative effort with the textbook’s authors, expert reviewers and people with living experience resulted in a new multi-page FASD contribution in the ninth edition. She explores why accurate, brain-based information matters for educators, students and families; what practical classroom supports can change outcomes; and why this meaningful step is only the beginning. Angela also introduces Not Your Typical Teaching Guide and her professional-development supports for educators.Recommended Resources:Special Education in Ontario Schools, 9th Edition — including Key Facts About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderNot Your Typical Teaching GuideFASD Ontario Network of ExpertisePlease share this episode with a teacher, educational assistant, principal, school board leader, or anyone in your community who would benefit from a more current and compassionate understanding of FASD.

What does a fastball team have to do with brain health?More than you might think.In this special episode, Angela introduces Play Well. Live Well. Grow Well.—a new community awareness campaign created to promote healthy brains, healthy pregnancies, and healthier futures. Inspired by the leadership of the UTM Bandits U19 Fastball Team, this initiative demonstrates how everyday conversations can create lasting change.Drawing parallels between athletic training and lifelong brain health, Angela explores how the small choices we make every day—from sleep and nutrition to movement, relationships, and learning—help build resilient brains across the lifespan. She also shares why evidence-informed education about prenatal alcohol exposure matters, not to create guilt or shame, but to empower people with knowledge before important decisions are made.In this episode, you'll learn:Why brain health is built through everyday habits—not just genetics or luck.How mental health, healthy pregnancies, and community well-being are deeply connected.What current research tells us about prenatal alcohol exposure and why early education matters.Why understanding how the brain works can replace blame with compassion and better support.How one team of young athletes is using its platform to spark meaningful conversations that can strengthen entire communities.Whether you're a parent, educator, coach, healthcare professional, or someone who simply wants to support healthier communities, this episode is an invitation to join the conversation.Because healthy brains don't happen by chance—they're built together.Learn more about the Play Well. Live Well. Grow Well. campaign, explore resources, and discover how you can help spread the message.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela Geddes shares reflections and key takeaways from the 10th International Conference on Adolescents and Adults with FASD in Seattle.Angela discusses:the nervous system and brain-body connectionwhy behaviour is often misunderstoodthe impact of shame and misdiagnosissupporting neurodivergent youth and adults through compassionate, brain-based approachesthe importance of regulation, safety, and connectionwhy meaningful support should not wait for diagnosisAngela also shares highlights from the two workshops she co-facilitated:✨ Seeing More Clearly Together✨ Not Your Typical Growing Up GuideThis episode offers practical insight, hope, and encouragement for caregivers, educators, professionals, and individuals navigating complicated and beautiful brains.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

When we think about oral health, most of us think about brushing, flossing, and fresh breath. But what if we’ve been missing the bigger picture?In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela Geddes reflects on her early work with the West Elgin Community Health Centre, where she participated in research and community consultations exploring access to dental care and the real-life impact of oral health challenges.Through powerful stories of young mothers, grandparents, and families navigating poverty, stigma, and complex needs, Angela highlights how oral health is deeply connected to dignity, relationships, and mental wellness.She also brings forward emerging research showing that oral health is linked to:Heart diseaseDiabetesDementiaStroke riskHospital-acquired infectionsWe now understand that the mouth is not separate from the body—it is a gateway to it.This episode also explores the added challenges for individuals with sensory sensitivities, trauma histories, and neurodevelopmental differences such as FASD, ADHD, and ASD—where daily oral care is not simply a routine, but a complex, supported task.This conversation invites us to shift from blame to understanding, and from routine care to whole-person support.👉 Because oral health is not about vanity.👉 It is about safety, dignity, and lifelong health.Recommended Resources:NHS Borders | Meeting Your Child’s Sensory Needs – ToothbrushingToronto Kids Dental | Is Your Child Avoiding Brushing? It Might Be Sensory OverloadPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela Geddes shares insights from her clinical work supporting veterans, OPP personnel, and individuals and families navigating complex mental health and neurodevelopmental challenges.With a focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), this episode highlights a critical system gap: most individuals affected remain unrecognized and unsupported, with fewer than 1% receiving a diagnosis.Angela shares a clear call to action and the need for a collaborative approach for professionals and communities of all kinds to :Move beyond diagnosis-dependent systemsBuild capacity across all sectorsSupport individuals based on functional needsPrioritize safety, dignity, and understandingBlending lived experience, research, and policy advocacy, this episode challenges listeners to rethink how we respond when traditional approaches fail.Recommended Resources:Training for Social Workers & Allied Health Practitioners10th International Conference on Adolescents and Adults with FASDNational FASD Program (Australian Prevention Efforts)Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode, Angela Geddes invites listeners into a gentle, grounding conversation about her latest resource, which highlights what happens when we stop fighting our neurodivergent wiring — and begin to understand it.This episode is especially for people who have grown up feeling “out of step,” misunderstood, or blamed for struggles that are actually rooted in how their brain works - and for the people who love and support them. This episode speaks directly to those living with ADHD, FASD, trauma, substance use impacts, learning differences, and complicated mental health profiles — particularly when life feels overwhelming, uncertain, or high-stakes.Through a compassionate, brain-based lens, this "Deep Dive" explores: Why fear and misinformation often surround assessment, diagnosis, and systemsHow increased stress, substance use, prenatal alcohol/substance exposure and trauma can change how our brain functionsWhy understanding your brain is not about labels or punishment — but about safety, advocacy, and better outcomesHow slowing down and getting curious can open the door to relief and self-compassionThis episode is not about fixing people or telling them what to do.It’s about offering clarity, reassurance, and a reminder that you are not broken — you are wired differently.This conversation provides an overview of Angela’s book, Not Your Typical Growing Up & Adulting Guide, and companion workbook which offers further language, tools, and validation for navigating growing up and adulting with a complicated and beautiful brain.Listeners are encouraged to listen at their own pace, return to it when needed, and share it with someone who might finally feel seen.🌸 Rising up through muddy waters.

This episode features a rich, brain-based conversation with Lisa Riegel, a school transformation specialist who uses brain science as a foundation for building culture and practices that align to the way our brain works. This conversation explores how schools and families can better support students by understanding behaviour as the intersection of biology and context.A central theme is the widespread misunderstanding of “manipulation.” For individuals with FASD and other neurodevelopmental profiles related to prenatal alcohol or substance exposure, behaviour can appear manipulative because they often know expectations but lack the executive functioning, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills needed to consistently meet them or repair mistakes. When situations unravel, they may keep talking, reacting, or shifting direction — not to deceive, but because they are overwhelmed and don’t yet have the tools to navigate the moment effectively.The conversation also explores why stress is normal, but how modern pressures — including social media, changing family routines, fewer shared meals, reduced idle time, and less opportunity to observe and practice nonverbal communication in safe settings — can amplify regulation challenges for vulnerable learners.Rather than pathologizing behaviour or blaming parents, this discussion emphasizes the importance of:Focusing on brain and contextTeaching skills instead of assuming intentUsing “when–then” strategies and clear structureHelping students link skill development with positive outcomesSupporting self-understanding and self-advocacy, especially for those with hidden disabilitiesThe episode ultimately invites educators, caregivers, and systems to shift from reactive responses to proactive skill-building environments that help students learn how to manage their symptoms and thrive.Educators looking to apply these concepts in real classrooms can explore Not Your Typical Teaching Guide, which offers practical, brain-based strategies. Not Your Typical Growing Up and Adulting Guide (coming soon) continues this work by supporting teens and young adults to understand their brains, advocate for support, and build meaningful, capable lives. Books can be found here. To learn more about Lisa Riegel’s work, speaking, and books on improving school climates through neuroscience, visit lisariegel.com.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

This episode originally aired as Episode 95 on December 5, 2024.The most wonderful time of the year for some… yet not for others. In this episode, Angela talks about ways to reduce both the impact of and the incidents of prenatal alcohol/substance exposed pregnancies. She encourages consideration for more broad and informal prevention efforts regarding healthy pregnancies now that we have just learned that prevalence rates of FASD in North America have increased to a still conservative estimate of 8%! Angela also shares some thought provoking ideas around ensuring the holidays are the best they can be for you and your circle. This may mean re-evaluating traditions and creating new ones, and also creating some compassionate boundaries.🎙️ BONUS | Listen into this episode in FrenchPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Soutenir les élèves ayant un TSAF ou des différences neurocognitives : Pourquoi une mise à jour des connaissances est essentielleCet épisode explore le travail crucial — et souvent invisible — que les éducateur·trices accomplissent pour soutenir des élèves ayant des « cerveaux compliqués et merveilleux ». En Ontario, de nombreux·euses enseignant·es doivent composer avec des profils d’apprentissage complexes tout en s’appuyant sur une information dépassée ou inexacte, particulièrement en ce qui concerne le Trouble du spectre de l’alcoolisation fœtale (TSAF).Nous expliquons :Pourquoi des termes comme « SAF » ne sont plus utilisésPourquoi le TSAF est beaucoup plus fréquent qu’on le croitComment l’invisibilité et le sous-diagnostic mènent à des malentendusPourquoi les approches comportementales traditionnelles échouent souventEt comment les mises à jour du curriculum permettront aux enseignant·es d’intervenir avec clarté et compassionCette conversation met en lumière la résilience des éducateur·trices, l’importance d’outils fiables basés sur les neurosciences, ainsi que la bonne nouvelle que des changements sont déjà en cours. En comprenant les racines neurologiques du comportement, nous pouvons remplacer le jugement par l’observation éclairée et créer des environnements scolaires fondés sur la sécurité, la dignité et l’apprentissage.📚 Découvrez le livre >>Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Supporting Students with FASD and Neurocognitive Differences: Why Updated Knowledge MattersThis episode explores the essential, often invisible work educators do to support students with “complicated and beautiful brains.” Many Ontario teachers are navigating complex learning profiles with outdated or incorrect information—especially regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).In this episode, we break down:Why older terms like “FAS” are no longer usedWhy FASD is far more common than most educators realizeHow invisibility and underdiagnosis lead to misunderstandingWhy traditional behavioural approaches often fail these learnersAnd how updated curriculum guidance will better equip teachers to respond with clarity and compassionThe conversation highlights the resilience of educators, the importance of accurate neuroscience-informed tools, and the encouraging reality that change is already underway. By understanding the neurological roots of behaviour, we can replace judgment with insight and create classroom environments grounded in safety, dignity, and learning.📚 Explore the book >>Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Pour certains, c’est la période la plus merveilleuse de l’année… mais pas pour tout le monde.Dans cet épisode, Angela parle de façons de réduire à la fois l’impact et l’incidence des grossesses exposées à l’alcool ou à d’autres substances. Elle encourage à envisager des efforts de prévention plus larges et informels pour soutenir des grossesses en santé, surtout depuis que nous avons appris que les taux de prévalence du TSAF en Amérique du Nord ont augmenté pour atteindre une estimation encore conservatrice de 8 %!Angela partage également des idées qui portent à réflexion sur la manière de faire en sorte que le temps des Fêtes soit le meilleur possible pour vous et votre entourage. Cela peut vouloir dire réévaluer certaines traditions et en créer de nouvelles, ainsi qu’établir des limites empreintes de compassion.RESSOURCES POUR EN SAVOIR PLUS :CANFASD | La prévalence du trouble du spectre de l’alcoolisation fœtale (PDF)Angela Geddes Website | Annonce d’intérêt public sur le TSAF 60 secondes (à partager) (link to https://www.angelageddes.ca/resources/mip-2025-60sec)Angela Geddes Website | Annonce d’intérêt public sur le TSAF 30 secondes (à partager) (link to https://www.angelageddes.ca/resources/mip-2025-30sec)N’hésitez pas à partager ce balado avec votre communauté et les personnes dans votre entourage qui pourraient bénéficier de ces importantes conversations de table de cuisine. Votre soutien compte énormément pour nous.

Comprendre les troubles neurodéveloppementaux complexes avec compassionDans cet épisode spécial de Plongée en profondeur, Angela Geddes explore les concepts clés de la version mise à jour de son guide Ceci n’est pas votre guide de la parentalité typique, 2e édition. Plutôt qu’un livre audio traditionnel, Angela propose une conversation chaleureuse et accessible qui accompagne les parents, éducateur·trice·s et intervenant·e·s soutenant des enfants et des jeunes ayant des troubles neurodéveloppementaux complexes (TND), dont le TSAF, le TDAH, l’autisme, les traumatismes développementaux et les difficultés liées aux fonctions exécutives.Angela aborde :les approches axées sur le cerveau plutôt que sur le comportementla dysmaturité et la différence entre l’âge réel et l’âge développementalla mémoire, l’impulsivité et la régulation émotionnelleles limites, les routines et la planification de la sécuritéla compréhension des vulnérabilitésla co-régulation et la communication bienveillantela nutrition, le sommeil et les besoins sensorielsle bien-être de la personne aidante et l’importance de l’autocompassionCet épisode offre des stratégies concrètes, des explications compassionnelles et des pistes de réflexion qui complètent le format interactif du livre.Parfait pour toute personne aidante qui cherche de la clarté, de la validation et des outils qui fonctionnent réellement.📚 Découvrez le livre >>Partagez ce balado avec les personnes de votre entourage et de votre communauté qui pourraient bénéficier de ces importantes conversations autour de la table de cuisine. Votre soutien compte énormément pour nous.

Understanding Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders with CompassionIn this special Deep Dive episode, Angela Geddes explores the key concepts from her updated Not Your Typical Parenting Guide, 2nd Edition. Instead of a traditional audiobook, this conversation-style episode offers a warm, accessible walkthrough of the book’s main ideas for caregivers, educators, and clinicians supporting children and youth with Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CNDs) including FASD, ADHD, autism, trauma-related challenges, and executive functioning differences.This deep dive episode discusses:brain-based approaches to behaviourdysmaturity and developmental agememory, impulsivity, and emotional regulationboundaries, routines, and safety planningunderstanding vulnerabilityco-regulation and connected communicationnutrition, sleep, and sensory needscaregiver wellness and self-compassionThis episode offers practical strategies, compassionate guidance, and reflection prompts that complement the interactive format of the book.Perfect for caregivers seeking clarity, validation, and tools that actually work.📚 Explore the book >>Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Joignez-vous à nous pour une nouvelle édition de Plongée en profondeur de Kitchen Table Conversations, où, grâce à la technologie et à notre incroyable équipe, nous pouvons offrir un survol audio et un examen approfondi des principaux points d’apprentissage du premier livre d'Angela, Un cerveau compliqué et merveilleux.Cette conversation explore à quoi peuvent ressembler le trouble du spectre de l’alcoolisation fœtale (TSAF) et l’exposition prénatale à l’alcool (EPA) tout au long de la vie — chez les enfants, les adolescent·es et les adultes — et pourquoi comprendre le cerveau est plus important que juger le comportement.À travers des histoires réelles et des réflexions empreintes de compassion, Angela aide les auditeurs et auditrices à reconnaître que ces défis sont de nature neurodéveloppementale et ne sont pas simplement des “choix” posés. L’épisode met en lumière l’urgence d’en apprendre davantage, puisque le TSAF est beaucoup plus fréquent qu’on ne le pense généralement.Le livre va encore plus loin, offrant des stratégies, de la recherche et des codes QR interactifs qui donnent directement accès à des outils fondés sur les données probantes ainsi qu’à des expériences vécues.Écoutez, réfléchissez, et laissez-vous inspirer à en apprendre davantage — parce que lorsque l'onsait mieux, on fait mieux.📚 Découvrez le livre >>Partagez ce balado avec les personnes de votre entourage et de votre communauté qui pourraient bénéficier de ces importantes conversations autour de la table de cuisine. Votre soutien compte énormément pour nous.

Join us for a new Deep Dive edition of Kitchen Table Conversations, where with the help of technology and our amazing team, we are able to provide an audio overview and a close look at the key learning points within her first book, A Complicated and Beautiful Brain.This conversation explores what Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can look like across the lifespan — in children, teens, and adults — and why understanding the brain matters more than judging behaviour.Through real stories and compassionate insight, Angela helps listeners recognize that these challenges are neurodevelopmental in nature and not simply ‘choices’ made. The episode highlights the urgent need to learn more, as FASD is far more common than most people realize.The book itself goes even deeper, offering strategies, research, and interactive QR codes that connect readers directly to evidence-based tools and lived experiences.Listen, reflect, and be inspired to learn more — because when we know better, we do better.📚 Explore the book >>Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

This year’s CanFASD International Research Conference reinforced what many of us have known for years: To truly support individuals and families, we must acknowledge prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) when discussing trauma and attachment.Researchers Dr. Alan Price and Dr. Raja Mukherjee presented groundbreaking findings confirming that when PAE is ignored, individuals are often misunderstood, and caregivers are unfairly blamed. Their work highlights that many behavioural and emotional challenges are symptoms of brain-based differences, not intentional acts or relational deficits.Angela Geddes also shared reflections from her one-on-one conversation with Dr. Gabor Maté, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed models to explicitly include PAE in both assessment and intervention.“These are symptoms, not choices. Families deserve understanding, not blame.” — Angela GeddesThe week concluded at Queen’s Park with meaningful conversations among MPPs eager to advance coordinated, compassionate systems change — ensuring every person has the right to thrive.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, a global reminder that mental health is a universal human right.In this special episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela Geddes explores what mental health really means — beyond hashtags and online labels. She discusses how overdiagnosis can sometimes overshadow those living with complex, lifelong conditions and highlights the importance of prevention, evidence-informed treatment, and compassion.Angela also draws attention to a missing piece in many global conversations: the link between prenatal health, early brain development, and lifelong mental wellness.Featuring the beautiful and heartfelt song “Open a Window” by Jamie Warren and “I’m fine” by Jessie T., this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone — and that hope, help, and understanding are possible.🌐 Learn more about the WHO campaign: World Mental Health DayPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Misinformation about a lot of things these days and certainly around FASD is widespread — and it hurts families and communities. In this episode, Angela shares her personal reflections on how outdated language and statistics perpetuate stigma and confusion. She also offers a hopeful path forward, calling for collaboration, evidence-based messaging, and compassion. She proudly announces that her commitment to this continues and is evident in her recently updated 2nd edition books, "A Complicated and Beautiful Brain" and "Not Your Typical Parenting Guide" – these books are less than 5 and 2 years old respectively, but needed to be updated because the research has changed and there are even more improved strategies and approaches as the learning from families continues. More up to date research and strategies for educators of all kinds can be found in her most recent brand-new book, “Not Your Typical Teaching Guide”.📚 Explore Angela’s BooksPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela shines a light on one of the most overlooked issues in prenatal health: unplanned pregnancies and the invisible window of risk. With over half of pregnancies unplanned, many people are unknowingly exposing developing babies to alcohol, tobacco, or other substances in those critical first weeks.Angela discusses how this early exposure can lead to lifelong impacts on mental health, learning, and behaviour—not just FASD—and why outdated advice like “a little is fine” is still causing harm. This episode calls for truth without blame, empowering individuals and families with evidence-based information that can prevent harm and reduce stigma.Listen Now & Share the PSAs ➡️ ACCESS HERE!Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Breaking the Myths of FASD (and Beyond)In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela tackles one of the biggest misconceptions about pregnancy: that small amounts of alcohol are harmless. She explores the reality that prenatal health begins long before conception—and includes both parents. From the role of fathers’ health and substance use to the link between prenatal exposures and lifelong mental health, behavioural, and learning challenges, this episode brings a compassionate, science-based perspective to an often misunderstood topic. Join the conversation and help us create a future where every child has the best start possible.Listen Now & Share the PSAs ➡️ ACCESS HERE!Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Why This Summer Was BIGJoin Angela Geddes, MSW, RSW, as she kicks off FASD Awareness Month and International FASD Awareness Day (Sept 9) with an inspiring look at the work being done to prevent prenatal alcohol and substance exposure and support those living with the impacts of prenatal alcohol and substance exposure and FASD.This episode highlights:New book releases, resources, and partnershipsCreative prevention campaigns, including radio PSAs, a new song, and community projectsWhy preconception health matters – for both parentsHow you can take action this SeptemberListen now and be part of the movement for awareness, prevention, and inclusive support.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this summer episode, Angela offers compassionate insight for families navigating the season with children, youth, or adults who have complex and beautiful brains. Whether your loved one is dealing with impulsivity, transitions, rigid thinking, or emotional dysregulation, this episode shares practical strategies for structure, regulation, nourishment, nature, and self-care.Plus: Podcast summer break update!Weekly episodes return in September for FASD Awareness MonthBi-weekly schedule resumes in OctoberPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela takes a deep and compassionate look at the critical—but often ignored—link between prenatal health and mental health across the lifespan. Drawing on research, clinical experience, and personal stories, she unpacks how even low levels of alcohol or substance exposure during pregnancy can impact brain development, increasing the risk for conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD.Angela also addresses the systemic gaps in diagnosis, especially around Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and the cultural silence that prevents honest conversations about prevention. With a focus on education, support—not shame—and practical action, this episode is a call to bring these conversations to the forefront, because when we know better, we can do better.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this heartfelt episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela shares the excitement of receiving the updated editions of her two books—A Complicated and Beautiful Brain and Not Your Typical Parenting Guide. She reflects on the inspiration behind the books, shares a moving quote from a teen with FASD, and explores the very real challenges faced by caregivers raising children with complex needs.Angela also introduces a vital new resource by Dr. Maude Champagne, Decoding Complex Behaviour in Brain-Based Disabilities, and teases an upcoming group for caregivers navigating child-to-caregiver reactive and aggressive symptoms.Listen now and find links to both of Angela's books on Amazon at www.angelageddes.ca.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela reflects on the emotional fallout of Canada’s recent federal election—and the importance of healthy dialogue. Drawing from her mental health background, she unpacks 10 common cognitive distortions (like all-or-nothing thinking and emotional reasoning) and encourages listeners to return to the table with more curiosity and less judgment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling disillusioned by political division and searching for ways to reconnect with community and common ground.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

This episode challenges recent claims made by RFK Jr. around autism and explores why Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is being left out of the conversation. While autism is valid and deserves attention, the known risk of prenatal alcohol exposure is too often ignored. Let's shift the focus to prevention and evidence-based care.Resources to Learn More:Science.org | Claiming autism ‘epidemic,’ RFK Jr. describes NIH initiative to find environmental causesProof Alliance | What are the differences between FASD and autism?Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

This year’s FASD International Research Conference was both powerful and deeply human. Key themes included:The insidious impact of stigma — and how it blocks access to diagnosis and careThe importance of naming FASD to open doors, not close themNew research on paternal alcohol exposure at the time of conceptionThe call for interdisciplinary support, trauma-informed care, and early interventionHeartfelt reminders that every diagnosis is a family story — and every story deserves compassionI ended the trip beside someone whose mother had FASD — a lovely woman who relinquished custody when overwhelmed by the demands of parenting. Their story reminded me: we must humanize this diagnosis, and the families living it.Let’s continue shifting the conversation toward hope, healing, and justice.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Celebrating 100 Episodes!From our very first episode on September 9th, International FASD Awareness Day, to now—this podcast has been about starting the hard conversations, uncovering hidden conditions, and pushing for change. In this milestone episode, I reflect on what we’ve achieved, the impact of our discussions, and how my practice-based research is now being validated by empirical studies.In this episode, we talk about:The urgency of FASD awareness and better assessment accessThe hidden struggles of neurodevelopmental conditions and why so many are misdiagnosedHow my most popular episode on anxiety resonated with listeners, reframing it as a strengthThe critical need for fewer "wrong doors" in mental health and educationThe work isn’t done—we’re just getting started. Join me as we push for better awareness, better support, and a future where fewer people are left without answers.RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:Neurowise | This Valentines Day it’s time to rethink our approach to attachmentCanFASD | Global Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Among Children and Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PDF)ADVANCES IN DUAL DIAGNOSIS | Hearing the voice of child welfare social workers: planning safe care for a child with or suspected of having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (PDF)Taylor & Francis Online | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Social Work Practice in Australia: A Narrative Literature ReviewPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode, I want to share some reflections from the last few weeks—weeks that have reaffirmed why I do this work and why these conversations are so important.For the past 25 years, I’ve worked alongside individuals with what I call complicated and beautiful brains—people living with complex mental health conditions, trauma histories, and neurodevelopmental disabilities like FASD. Many of them have experienced family disruptions, multiple placements, and deep struggles with feeling understood.And yet, despite the challenges, the most profound learning I’ve done has come directly from the individuals and families I support.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

A Practical Guide for EducatorsSupporting Neurodiverse Learners with Compassion and Practical Strategies At Geddes Specialized Support & Integrative Wellness Inc., we are committed to helping educators, school social workers, and child and youth workers develop a deeper understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and how to effectively support students with complex neurodevelopmental needs.Our latest podcast episode explores "Understanding and Supporting Students with FASD: A Practical Guide for Educators," offering real-world strategies to foster emotional regulation, reduce stigma, and create classroom environments where students feel safe, understood, and empowered.Interested in learning more?We offer training sessions for educators, school social workers, and child and youth workers to help build FASD-informed, inclusive learning environments. Whether you’re an administrator, teacher, or frontline support worker, our workshops provide the knowledge and tools you need to make a difference in the lives of neurodiverse students.Get in touch with us today to discuss training opportunities for your school or organization.

At Kitchen Table Conversations, my goal is to plant seeds—ideas that make us think about how we can prevent common health conditions and improve overall well-being. While some people argue that we’re living longer than past generations, I’d challenge that by asking: Are we living healthier? The diseases we face today may be different, but many of them can be preventable.I’m not a scientist, and I stay in my lane as a social worker. But I’ve read and learned enough to know that when we feed our bodies better, they function better and I truly believe that we can do better when we know better. I don't think enough of us talk about our food choices and the link to common physical and mental health conditions. Dr. Casey Means shared in her book, Good Energy, that as a surgeon, she was not offered one course in Nutrition in all her medical training. That is astounding to me.So, as you sit around your own kitchen table, I encourage you to have these conversations. Talk about food, health, and how we can make choices that benefit both ourselves and future generations. Thank you for tuning in. Until next time, take care!Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Welcome to today’s episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, where we dive into pressing issues in mental health, neurodiversity, and the incredible work being done to support individuals and families with complex needs. Today, we’re talking about an urgent issue: the need for more Social Workers—and other front-line professionals—to be trained, confident, and competent in identifying and supporting individuals impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure. Listen in and let me paint a picture for you. For more information on Training for Social Workers and to register, please click here!Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

The most wonderful time of the year for some… yet not for others. In this episode, Angela talks about ways to reduce both the impact of and the incidents of prenatal alcohol/substance exposed pregnancies. She encourages consideration for more broad and informal prevention efforts regarding healthy pregnancies now that we have just learned that prevalence rates of FASD in North America have increased to a still conservative estimate of 8%! Angela also shares some thought provoking ideas around ensuring the holidays are the best they can be for you and your circle. This may mean re-evaluating traditions and creating new ones, and also creating some compassionate boundaries. RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:CANFASD | The Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (PDF)YouTube | FASD Public Service Announcement (please share)Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Join Angela as she explores the balance between research, analytical thought, and lived perspectives. Together, we'll bring complex topics back to your kitchen table for meaningful discussion and debate. Are we mitigating risk at the cost of stifling free thought, creativity, and problem-solving? Through open dialogue and a critical cost-benefit lens, let’s make sense of what truly works for us in a world of evolving ideas and challenges.Resources to learn more:Psychology Today | What's Wrong With Gentle Parenting?Psychology Today | When Gentle Parenting Feels PhonyFeeding Your Baby | Caffeine, Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs and Breastfeeding (PDF)Book | Not Your Typical Parenting Guide by Angela GeddesBook | Now I Know Why Tigers Eat Their Young: Surviving a New Generation of Teenagers by Dr.  Peter Marshall Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela Geddes dives into the critical need for ongoing training to empower communities and clinicians in identifying, assessing, and supporting individuals who may have been prenatally exposed to alcohol or other substances. Angela emphasizes that building community capacity means developing clinicians who are not only competent, but also confident in their ability to screen and address the nuanced needs of people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).Angela tackles the pervasive stigma surrounding FASD, highlighting how many adults living with this condition wish for a more direct and honest dialogue about the risks of alcohol or substance use during pregnancy. Many of them have shared that they feel it’s time to move past the fear of offending people and instead focus on delivering the powerful message: there is no safe amount, time, or type of alcohol for use during pregnancy. For Angela, framing this message as a “gift” can help prevent avoidable harm.She also discusses how rising rates of alcohol consumption and sexually transmitted diseases bring new challenges to prevention efforts. Angela touches on the concept of "research fatigue," explaining that skepticism toward health warnings may cause some people to downplay these risks. For her, the solution lies in offering accurate information in a balanced and relatable way—exactly the goal of the Kitchen Table Conversations podcast. This platform serves as a space for open, honest discussions that help individuals make informed choices without shying away from hard truths.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode, Angela reflects on her journey as a social worker, highlighting key insights and lessons learned over the years. Join her as she celebrates the wisdom shared by like-minded professionals who continue to inspire and guide her practice. Angela also shares exciting updates, including her collaboration with Dr. Clare Mitchell, and discusses how honoured she feels to participate in the London Conference and other professional development and caregiver support opportunities during the past and coming weeks. Head to her website to learn more about Angela's latest book, Not Your Typical Parenting Guide, a booklet co-authored by Dr. Clare Mitchell, A Practical Approach to Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and other free resources including safety plans, and info sheets for family and friends, etc. Angela also offers Training for Social Workers to enhance our assessment and support services.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this podcast episode, Angela tackles a significant issue surrounding the term "FASD" (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and whether the name itself contributes to the stigma faced by many who experience misdiagnosis and misunderstanding. While FASD has traditionally been linked to maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, recent insights highlight the complexity of the diagnosis. Angela emphasizes the growing understanding of epigenetics and the role of paternal alcohol use at conception, as well as the intergenerational impact of alcohol exposure that may manifest even if no alcohol was consumed during pregnancy.This discussion encourages us to reconsider our approach to supporting individuals by moving beyond judgment and focusing on recognizing organic, brain-based difficulties. Angela calls for better screening to identify when behaviors are neurologically rooted rather than the result of parenting or poor decisions. She is pleased and honoured that people are calling on her more frequently to share what she has learned in this area and specifically the training for Social Workers that we now know is so critical.  Listeners are invited to explore related research articles, which make the case for a possible name change to FASD, to better reflect the complexity of the condition. Additionally, the episode revisits the song "Dusty Road to Home," celebrating the creative talents often found in individuals with neurodivergent and "complicated, beautiful brains."Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of FASD and the need for compassionate, informed approaches to support.Check out these research articles, as well and link to the SW training page please and to the video for Dusty Road to home.RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:FASD United | Addressing the Recommended Changes to FASD Diagnosis Published in The LancetSocial work and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) (PDF)Time to move on from FASD diagnosis? (PDF)Hearing the voice of child welfare social workers: planning safe care for a child with or suspected of having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) (PDF)Training for Social Workers | Facilitated by Angela GeddesPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode, Angela opens up about her recent work and candidly addresses the challenges she's faced in raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). She reflects on the resistance she has encountered in spreading the message and poses important questions about why this crucial issue isn't receiving the attention needed to drive meaningful change.Please visit the CanFASD website to learn what Canadians have been up to, and check out the upcoming training dates below. If you would like additional information on any of these events, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Upcoming Training Sessions:Windsor - October 1stNorth Bay - October 9thPort Huron - October 17th - Event DetailsBrantford - November 5thLondon Conference - October 22nd & 23rdFanshawe College - Fall SemesterPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

We all have a role to play in supporting/preventing FASD. It's up to all of us to support healthy pregnancies.As we mark FASD Awareness Month, we are thrilled to share a project that holds a special place in our hearts. A small group of young adults, collectively, with lived experiences of family disruptions, grief, loss, trauma, FASD, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, domestic violence, and other adverse childhood experiences, came together to form new connections and explore hidden talents. What emerged from this collaboration is nothing short of magical in our humble view. With the incredible support of CCMA award-winning artist Jamie Warren—who also happens to be Angela's husband—we created a powerful and inspirational song, Dusty Road to Home.Please check out our website for the videos and ways you can help share and spread this important message.

In today's episode of The Power of Kitchen Table Conversations: Making a Difference in Prenatal Health, we'll explore the critical and often overlooked issue of alcohol use during pregnancy. Despite clear evidence showing that no amount of alcohol is safe, conflicting messages from the media and medical field continue to confuse expectant mothers. We'll share personal stories, like that of my niece, who made the informed decision to go alcohol-free during her pregnancy, inspired by years of family discussions. This episode highlights the importance of honest, compassionate conversations in preventing prenatal alcohol exposure and ensuring the healthiest start for the next generation.RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:CanFASD Journal on Developmental Disabilities | Are Rural and Urban Ontario Health Care Professionals Aware of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder? A Secondary Data Analysis of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Survey for Health Professionals (PDF)Today.com | Mandy Moore compares giving birth to 'acid trip'CanFASD | Reporting on Alcohol Use During Pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (PDF)CanFASD | Breastfeeding and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (PDF)US News | Drinking Among Pregnant Women Up in U.S.CEWH.com | Why do girls and women drink alcohol during pregnancy? (PDF)Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

There is compelling evidence that effective learning is deeply tied to human connection, focused attention, and the internalization of knowledge—areas where technology, especially AI, falls short. As parents and caregivers, it’s important to consider these findings when managing technology use at home. Technology for some can be a game changer and there are so many obvious benefits. However, deeper, long lasting and foundational learning develops over time and requires a few things that technology cannot provide. Listen in to learn more and check out the resources below for further learning. (The irony is not lost on me with that last suggestion!!)RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:Psychology Today | 5 Ways to Help Your Brain Learn BetterMy Health Alberta | Cutting Back on Your Child's Screen Time: Care InstructionsMayo Clinic | Screen time and children: How to guide your childPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Advocacy is a cornerstone of social work, essential in helping others learn to voice their needs. Yet, navigating the fine line between assertiveness and finesse is crucial. In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, we delve into strategies for advocating effectively while maintaining respect and avoiding further stigmatization. Join us as we explore the nuances of this vital aspect of our profession.RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:Psychology Today | Practice AssertivenessPsychology Today | How, and How Not, to Stand Up for YourselfYouth Employment | How To Stand Up For Yourself Without Putting Other People DownPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

This week, Angela is heading away for a family holiday and felt that it would be fitting to discuss some tips and strategies that can help to make summertime as enjoyable and relaxing as possible; even for people who are experiencing the impact of complex neurodevelopmental conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Tourtett's Syndrome, Autism, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.It is so important to realize that FASD is the most common Developmental Disability in Canada, and with the right support and information, it can be prevented. Let's talk about this and some strategies that help us accept the condition and to learn new caregiving approaches that can help everyone in the family.  RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:AMA Queensland | Glimmers for Mental HealthNOFASD Australia | Let’s Travel GuideAngela Geddes’ Monthly Newsletter | SubscribePlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode, Angela shares her thoughts on our broad understanding of neurodivergence and how the opportunity for inclusivity is there, but we seem to continue to miss the most common developmental disorder there is which is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.Angela highlights the reason why she wrote her book, A Complicated and Beautiful Brain,(including an audio endorsement from Dr. Peter Choate recommending this book alongside Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey's book, What Happened To You?). She highlights how different her book is from others in that it aims to help people see the more subtle yet impactful symptoms that largely go unrecognized as brain based and are misunderstood more often to be associated with poor parenting, poor decision making and behaviour!  There is so much blame and shame associated with this condition, which is unfair and unhelpful. We can do better! She asks for your help to keep spreading this very important message because the symptoms that we see as neurodivergence and mental health conditions are also directly linked to prenatal substance exposures. As much as we want neurodivergent affirming communities and supports, we also want to prevent unnecessary variances in brain function if we can. I see every single day how challenging these conditions can be. Everyone wants a healthy pregnancy, and it is necessary to clarify information in order for this to happen more often. Remember, more people are confirming alcohol use during pregnancy now than a decade ago. Our prevention efforts need to adjust.RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:Very Well Mind | What Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?Public Health Agency of Canada | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention: Canadian PerspectiveseMentalHealth.ca | Fetal Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode, Angela discusses the risks of alcohol in pregnancy and provides some evidence once again that our communication around this issue needs to change. Check out the resources below for more statistics and position papers on this subject and her social media posts to help spread these important messages. We really can make such a difference. “When we know better, we can do better.” Let's make some of this information go viral!!RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:CanFASD | The Prevalence of Alcohol Use During Pregnancy in CanadaCanFASD | Reporting on Alcohol Use During Pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderCDC | Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking During Pregnancy Among Adults Aged 18–49 YearsPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode, Angela reviews the 5 common senses and then explores a little more deeply some less widely understood senses and how so many of our children/youth and adults struggle with sensory overload. The 8th sense in particular is interoception. Angela discusses what this means and how difficulties in this area can manifest and impact day to day life.Please check out the resources below for more information and feel free to reach out to us to learn more. Angela and her team focus on both self and co-regulation every day in their practice and many are finding this to be very helpful for individuals and families.RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:Pathways.org | Sensory Integration: Know the BasicsKelly Mahler | Interoception Assessment: Dilemmas and Practical SolutionsSarah Brown, Occupational TherapistPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode, Angela chats about the consequences of social isolation and some of what we have learned from our COVID experience. She also discusses the importance of feeling understood and a sense of belonging and folks are reminded of some strategies to support wellness, and specific programs and services that can be helpful. Check out Psychology Today to read an article on How Social Isolation Affects the Brain and our program offerings for the Building Connections Workshops. Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode, Angela shares her gratitude for the work she is honoured to do and the people she supports and walks alongside. She shares her passion for reducing both the impact and incidences of prenatal exposures and thanks you for your ongoing support of this message by listening to this podcast and taking these important topics back to your kitchen table.By taking care of our own little corners of the world, we can create real change that will spread and, one day, have a global effect.Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode, Angela shares some of her recent kitchen table conversations regarding Individual Education Plans and when and how we support students in the way that they need in order to reach their potential. Sometimes our efforts are shortsighted and not as helpful as they are intended to be, and sometimes it's simply not possible to make the accommodations that people are looking for. Angela shares how it takes a community to raise a child and we need to extend ourselves to others rather than judge people harshly, recognizing that everyone is doing their best.Check out these resources to learn more about IEPs and the frequency of misdiagnosis which makes helpful accommodations even harder to offer.Resources to Learn More:Special Needs Ontario | Individualized Education PlanNational Library of Medicine | Misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses in foster and adopted children with prenatal alcohol exposurePlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Angela is proud to be trained in Mindfulness Yoga Acceptance Commitment Therapy/training and sees the improved outcomes in individuals and families every single day in her small but growing practice. She uses elements of the modality in her personal and professional life. Angela is pleased to be able to speak to the research and the practice based evidence at the 9th International Research Conference of FASD for Adults and Adolescents in Seattle Washington. She is also participating in a poster session to highlight what we've learned after offering training specific for Social Workers and front line clinicians involved in screening and assessment services! So far the feedback has been great and she is excited to share and contribute to reducing both the incidents, and the impact of prenatal (alcohol) exposures.  Resources to Learn More:The Oxford Scientist | More than a diagnosis: recognizing FASDSeattle Conference | 9th International Research Conference of FASDPlease share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.